Cumberland County firefighters along with emergency management conducted a controlled burn starting at 9 a.m. this morning of natural oak/pine grasslands in Obed River Park.

Tennessee was primarily covered in these grasslands prior to westward expansion. The state was home to major herds of buffalo, elk and deer. The animals kept underbrush and rapidly growing shrubs picked down. Without the presence of these grazers, controlled burning is the only way to preserve the natural area.

Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Moody told 105.7 News the several acres of savannah has not been burned in the past two years because of wet conditions. The project is typically done yearly to keep brush growth controlled and is a one day event.

Fire officials started the burn this morning closest to Charleston Apartments with drip torches setting the dry grass and debris ablaze in a line every two to three yards. Cumberland County Fire Chief Trevor Kerley said it was set to go into the direction of the light wind blowing across the field to keep the fire from growing too fast. A fire break was kept around the immediate area to prevent the spread.

Crews will remain on the scene for much of today and the burning is expected to conclude late this afternoon.

Citizens in the area as well as motorists may observe heavy smoke coming from between Charleston Plantation off of Main Street west to Highway 70 North in the park. Officials will remain there until the fire is out. Residents in the immediate area should close windows to keep smoke out during this event today.

Crews start the burn around 9 a.m. this morning on the north end of the park next to Charleston Plantation Apartments.